Strawflower, Purple Red (Organic)
Xerochrysum bracteatum. 60-70 days.
Super dark purple, like a deep shade of red wine, Purple Red strawflower is a fun change from the more commonly grown strawflower colors of bright oranges and yellows. Flowers grow to about 2” across but can be harvested at an earlier stage to avoid the yellow centers that appear when blooms are open. Widely used as an everlasting flower in dried arrangements and crafting. A favorite of smaller pollinators like hover flies and fairy bees. Plants can grow to 4-5’ tall and may benefit from staking. Often called Helichrysum in seed catalogs and in the flower trade.
Surface sow after danger of frost or sow indoors for transplant starting 6 weeks before last frost. Thin or transplant starts to 12” centers. Prefers 60 – 70˚F soil temperature for germination in 7 – 10 days. Deadhead to prolong bloom. Annual.
Seed Saving
Collect seeds from flowers that are fully dry. Thresh by hand or by dancing, winnow to clean. Some cross-pollination may occur. Isolate from other varieties of the same species by 1/2 mile.
What others are saying
There are no contributions yet.